The Endocannabinoid System as a Preventor of Intestinal Inflammation

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) protects against colonic inflammation. Cannabinoids are said to have therapeutic properties in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Cannabinoids are derived from the marijuana plant (cannabis sativa) and the hemp plant.

Well-known cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis; it is what causes the “high” associated with marijuana. CBD is purely medicinal and offers the body homeostasis.

The ECS consists of two primary cannabinoid receptors, 1 and 2. They enable cannabinoids to bind to them and work throughout the body. So, how do cannabinoids actually have a positive effect on colonic inflammation?

Cannabinoids Have a Therapeutic Value in Colonic Inflammation

Inflammation is our bodies way of self-protection or defense from intruders. However, some people’s immune system misidentifies non-intruders as intruders. The immune system is meant to be self-healing. It can become harmful when disproportionate. Disproportionate inflammatory reactions can be a plausible risk for our health.

Equal bodily outputs between pro- and anti-inflammatory actors assure only necessary immune reactions happen. Over activity of the immune system can lead to dangerous scenarios. One study shows CB1 receptors regulate endo-security transmissioning which fights proinflammatory reactions. In this study, there was more potent inflammation in mice lacking CB1 receptors than ones fresh from the wild.

Treatment of wild mice with a selective cannabinoid 1 antagonist displayed the same impacts. Continuously, the cannabinoid receptor agonist or fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) (a genetic extraction of the endocannabinoid-breaking down enzyme) offered security from DNBS-induced colitis. Colitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the colon that scientists induced in mice subjects.

Electrophysiological reportings displayed, 8 hours after DNBS injection, surprising oscillatory action in cannabinoid 1 receptors but not in the colon. This suggests cannabinoid 1 receptors have an ability to control inflammation in smooth muscle tissues. That is to say that CB1 receptors have control over colonic inflammation.

DNBS increased myenteric brain cells communicating with cannabinoid 1 receptors, indicating an increase of cannabinoid transmission during colitis. Researchers’ results show that the endocannabinoid system gives a promising therapeutic site for the treatment of excessive inflammatory reactions in the intestines.

Cannabinoids Can Prevent Inflammation

This research suggests that the endocannabinoid system has physiological benefits in the fight against increased inflammation in the colon. The ECS is able to lessen smooth muscular suffering and mediate cellular routes leading to inflammatory reactions. These conclusions indicate that the endocannabinoid system is a plausible therapetic site for numerous disorders with inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Registered with the British Psychological Society, breaking the taboo on mental health issues is one of the driving forces in Jonathan's life. His background in biomedicine gives him additional understanding of the factors that work together to influence the human condition.